There are more specialty margaritas available at Lee's El Taco Garage than anybody cared to count or write down, so choosing one can be a bit of a fiasco.
I'm not a fan of ordering after a long-winded spiel from my waiter about more variety than I can possibly remember, but the margaritas are $4 or $7 for a large if you're thirsty, so there isn't really room complain.
Happy hour is 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, meaning I had just enough time to get over there after work and get way too intoxicated for an early Monday evening and still leave by 6:30 p.m. Taco Garage also serves up $2.50 pints of beer during happy hour, if brews are more your thing.
I started off with a basic strawberry margarita — swirled, big for a "small" and not too sweet. From there, I moved on up to a Jacked Up Melon. Made with Jack Daniel's, watermelon pucker and a splash of Coke, this drink was served in a margarita glass with sugar on the rim and an unassuming air. A few gulps later, I was feeling the whiskey in my knees and cursing the uneven pavement leading to my car.
To add alcohol to the already addlebrained, the bartender then brought over flight versions of the pomegranate "Shock Tart" and cucumber margaritas — that's right people, there are margaritas available in mini sizes.
Taco Garage's signature V-6 is half a dozen unique flavor combos that can include chamoy, pineapple, mango, Texas sunrise and more. The V-12 is also an option for bigger groups or those looking for a challenge.
The Shock Tart was straight up like drinking blue candy and the cucumber was pleasantly refreshing. The pomegranate stole the show by far, though. A bit sweet, a bit tart, she's a drink after my own heart.
The most disappointing news, though, is that appetizers weren't available during happy hour. Considering I like some food with my booze, I ordered the nachos and chicken flautas anyway ($9.50 and $7, respectively). The portions were huge, food came quick and the cilantro lime salsa paired with the flautas was on point. Note to management: If you add happy hour appetizers, they (meaning the fiscal opportunist crowd) will come.
The atmosphere can best be described as super chill, a Tex-Mex/country saloon with plenty of regulars and outdoor seating, which I recommend, albeit in the middle of the summer day may be a bit too much.
Taco Garage
8403 Broadway St., (210) 826-4405, tacogarage.com